Film festival gala honors Kevin Kline

Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline received the Career Achievement Award on June 28 at the 50th Chicago International Film Festival Summer Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel. More than 300 film lovers, friends and supporters enjoyed a lavish reception, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a Q&A with the honoree.

Co-chairs Jeanne Randall Malkin and Penelope Steiner welcomed guests and introduced festival founder/artistic director Michael Kutza. "Since 1964, Michael Kutza, with visionary prescience, has carved a pivotal niche in the world of film. We celebrate Michael, his mission and Chicago, a partnership that has proved invaluable to film lovers globally," Steiner said.

The highlight was the discussion between Kline and host Bill Kurtis. Film clips shown during the nearly hourlong interview included scenes from "A Fish Called Wanda," "Sophie's Choice," "The Big Chill" and "Chaplin."

Kline received a standing ovation upon receiving the Career Achievement Award. Kline acknowledged his wife, actress Phoebe Cates. "I'd be remiss if I didn't thank my wife, Phoebe. She gave me a life, so she gets the lifetime achievement award, while I get the career achievement because I wouldn't have had a career without her, or a life," Kline said.

Proceeds from the gala benefit the year-round free educational outreach programs of Cinema/Chicago, the parent organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, which brings thousands of Chicago Public Schools students to film screenings.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.